Our rice industry is progressing despite challenges

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,

The heavy rains came and rice farms were flooded out. Many farmers in the Mahaica and Mahaicony areas lost their rice and cash crops, and several other cash crops were under threat. So I felt a bit of relief to hear that, despite the constant rainy season we experienced so far this year, the rice industry has recorded some 202,077 metric tonnes of rice for the first crop.

It should be noted that the highest annual rice production ever in Guyana was 365,469 metric tonnes, which was recorded in 1999. It is anticipated that this year’s rice production will surpass all previous years, with this year’s target being approximately 400,000 metric tonnes, the highest ever. I really hope that everything is put in place to ensure that this target is met, for example, cleaning of drains and canals. Editor, let me take this opportunity to commend the Ministry of Agriculture for being proactive in assisting the farmers in the various regions, especially during the rainy seasons. I believe that the increase in production of rice is due largely to the investments made in the field, for example, drainage, and irrigation and research and development. Also, the resilience of farmers and other stakeholders within the rice industry has contributed to this success, and I hope they continue to work diligently to transform and modernise the sector, which as we all know is very important to the overall development of the country.

Yours sincerely,

Tanya Sampson

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